World’s Best Places to Visit for 2025

Machu Picchu

A visit to this UNESCO-listed Peruvian wonder is not for the faint of heart, but it is often described as a life-changing adventure. Built by the Incas in the mid-15th century, Machu Picchu encompasses well-preserved agricultural, residential and religious structures. While the four-day hike along the Inca Trail is challenging (you’ll climb to an elevation of roughly 8,000 feet), arriving at the site during sunrise is well worth the effort. Limited daily reservations are available for this popular trail, but visitors can also opt for a handful of less-traveled paths or take a PeruRail train to the mountain base for an easier route to the top.